From 1987 to 1995, Balmain watches were manufactured under exclusive license by the Swatch Group, which supplied its expertise and state-of-the-art watchmaking technology to the brand. Paris Louvre Duty-Free is the official retailer of Balmain watches in Paris. The Parisian fashion house was founded in 1945 by fashion designer Pierre Balmain. In December 1995, the Swatch Group acquired the exclusive rights to manufacture, market and distribute the brand’s watches throughout the entire world.